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• Mild Canal Stenosis

Canal Stenosis (Mild)

If the space within the spine becomes restricted, either by a degenerative disorder or a congenital condition, the spinal cord and nerve roots can become compressed. This narrowing of the spine’s openings, including the spinal canal and the foramina, is known as spinal stenosis. The condition does not always exhibit symptoms, but when the spinal cord or nerve roots become irritated, symptoms such as tingling and numbness can occur. Pain is less common, but also may be experienced if the condition progresses beyond mild canal stenosis.

Causes of Spinal Canal Stenosis

A number of anatomical abnormalities can reduce the size of the spinal canal or the foramina – the openings on either side of vertebrae through which the nerve roots pass. Most of these abnormalities arise from conditions related to the aging process. One of the most common is the gradual thickening of the spinal ligaments, including the largest, the ligamentum flavum. By the time we reach middle age, the ligamentum flavum has begun to lose its elasticity and flexibility, and when the spine is straightened it can irritate the spinal cord or nerve roots. In the early stages, this mild canal stenosis might produce slightly uncomfortable sensations in the areas of the body innervated by the affected nerve root or roots. As it progresses, symptoms could become more serve.

Other conditions that can produce mild canal stenosis include:?

• Spinal arthritis
• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Congenital defect
• Spinal tumors
• Osteoporosis
• Paget’s disease (abnormal bone destruction and re-growth)
• Kyphosis or lordosis associated with achondroplasia (dwarfism)

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Minimally Invasive Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

While the majority of cases of mild canal stenosis can be managed effectively using conservative treatment like pain medicine or physical therapy, cases of severe canal stenosis might call for a minimally invasive procedure from Laser Spine Institute. Contact us to learn how an outpatient procedure performed using advanced, endoscopic techniques can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.